MH Only?

[calihawker]

I was tinkering around with my system and water got into my icecap 660 ballast, it sizzled and died I ordered a new one but it's taking forever to get here. I'm not to happy with the people I ordered from.

In the meantime I'm running the MH and I'm kinda liking the way they look. Currently I have 2x250 watt Iwasaki 6500K on my 300 gallon 30" deep tank. That works out to only a watt and a half per gallon. Now I know the watts per gallon rule is different for the large tanks and I also know the lumens or par or whatever it is you tech guys measure is different for MH bulbs, the question is, should I stay with the 2x250's? should I add one or two (which I have available) I can adjust the canopy height and of course how many hours.

I've been running them this way for over a week this way and gradually increasing the hours (i'm up to 8) and I've not seen any algae bloom.

What do you think?

BTW I't has good c02 and EI regimen.

Steve

 

[Gerryd]

Hi Steve,

If it is working well, why not try it out for a while?

Not sure what you mean here???

should I add one or two (which I have available)

Do you mean another bulb? Or a different fixture??

Yes, PAR is the best measurement, but you need a light meter to determine this.

I would watch your growth and see how it responds as the best test w/o a meter.

The MH alone gives a nice shimmer to the water. I like it too.

I use only 3x150 w MH for my 180 gal (2.5 wpg).........10-11 hrs daily........

Suspended 17" above the surface now and most likely going higher soon.

I have been able to grow anything I dump in the tank, so I see no reason to change. EI and c02 as well.......

 

[calihawker]

Thanks Gerry.
Yes, I meant 2 more bulbs which I have sockets and ballasts for. It's all suspended on a diy canopy. I'm actually think now about adding 1 just to the right side of the tank. The left side of the tank is fairly well shaded by a big manzanita so maybe I can try some high light species on the right side.

My c02 and dosing seem to be dialed so maybe I can experiment with light now.

Steve

 

[VaughnH]

I'm not sure about your question, but that is really a nice aquarium setup. Is it built into the wall? Nice aquascape too. My gut feeling is that you have enough light with just the two bulbs, so I would try it that way for a few weeks to see how the plants do.

 

[veryl]

I had a Ice Cap 660 melt down and sent it back to the factory. They gave me a choice of repair for $45 or replacement for $135.00, not sure of exact prices. I got both. My Warranty long expired. Very happy with the 3 660's i'm running.

 

[calihawker]

Thanks veryl. I was wonering if they could fix it. I'll send it and have it as a backup.

Steve